Florida’s Nature Coast stretches across eight counties along the Gulf of Mexico in North Central Florida, including Levy County where Black Prong Equestrian Village is located. This region is aptly named as explorers will find it full of native forests, blackwater rivers and crystal clear spring-fed streams to paddle, quaint local attractions, and trails to ride and hike.
Hit the Trails
Bike or trail ride in the expansive Goethe State Forest. With 53,000 acres and over 100 miles of trails, there is so much to explore! The Goethe is made up of longleaf pine flatwoods and swamp basins, and contains 19 different ecological communities, each with unique plants and animals. There are seven trailheads in the Goethe that offer opportunities to explore different landscapes in the forest, with direct access to the forest from Black prong Equestrian Village. The multi-use trails in the Goethe are open to hikers, cyclists and equestrians.
The Nature Coast State Trail begins in Chiefland and travel north past fanning springs state park where is splits, with the west leg crossing the Suwanee River and ending in Old Town and the east leg continuing on to Trenton. This 32-mile paved trail was built over old rail lines and is perfect for walking, cycling, or roller skating.
Swim in a Natural Spring
Experience a unique prehistoric spring at Devil’s Den, an underground spring inside a dry cave. Visitors can snorkel or scuba dive through the cave. Many fossils have been found inside, dating back to the Pleistocene Age, which are on display at the UF FL Museum of Natural History.
Blue Grotto Dive Resort is a north Florida favorite scuba diving spot! You can also take lessons and become scuba certified at Blue Grotto.
Rainbow Springs State Park features a first magnitude spring that pumps out more than 400 million gallons of water a day. This park also features picnic tables, charcoal grills and an Ornamental Garden with constructed waterfalls.
Walk across the 800ft boardwalk through the cypress at Manatee Springs State Park to view this first magnitude spring and hopefully spot some manatees in the winter months. Take a dip in the water to cool off during the warmer summer months.
Fun on the River
Spending the day floating down a spring-fed lazy river is without a doubt a warm weather tradition in Florida. Tubing down Rainbow River, in Dunnellon, floaters have the opportunity to cool off in the clear water, observe wildlife along the banks, and soak in the sunshine.
Kayak or canoe down the famous Suwanee River! Start your day at Manatee Springs State Park and extend the fun by renting a Kayak or Canoe to explore further down the Suwanee River. Manatees swim up-river during the winter months to move into warmer waters.
Explore Local Attractions
Amber Brooke Farms offers U-pick blueberries, strawberries, sunflowers and more! There are activities for the whole family, seasonal food and often live music and events.
Wander through the beautiful Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens to enjoy a lush botanical garden with cascading waterfalls, 50+ garden displays, koi ponds, and countless breathtaking views!
Cedar Key quaint island community is known for its excellent gulf seafood and unsoiled coastal landscape. Tidewater Tours offers visitors the opportunity to spot wildlife, enjoy the sunset or visit the beach on the nearby Atsena Otie Key.
